On October 9, 1933 Clearwater's first government post office building was dedicated on this site with Postmaster General James A. Farley officiating. The local postmaster at the time was Charles R. Lee.
This Mediterranean-Revival style building was designed by Clearwater architect Theodore Skinner, and built by the Palm Beach construction firm of Walt and Sinclair of Florida. It is representative of the 1930's federal works projects which reflected regional design influence and . . . — Map (db m44616) HM

Gift of
The Class of 1992
&
Journalism Students
The artist created "Endangered" from "found objects" of recycled metal, mostly chrome bumpers.
Students are the hope of the future, the environment and its preservation.
Paul Eppling, artist. — Map (db m4983) HM

Near this site was located the first public supported school within the present limits of the City of Clearwater. Known as the Taylor Schoolhouse, erected in 1854. The surnames of the pupils included Taylor, Turner, McMullen, Henderson, Johnson, White, Stevenson, Brownlow and Whitehurst, all early settlers of this county. — Map (db m67061) HM

Harbor Oaks was Clearwater's first planned residential development. Dean Alvord, a major developer in New York state, opened Harbor Oaks in 1914. Bringing modern planning concepts to the Pinellas County area, the development offered innovative features such as underground utilities, paved streets, curbs and sidewalks, a sewer system, and tree lined parkways. Deed restrictions ensured a rich architectural mix of mostly two story homes including fine examples of Mediterranean Revival, Colonial . . . — Map (db m50506) HM

Originally built circa 1925, the Magnolia Drive Dock was a Harbor Oaks landmark for many years as a neighborhood gathering spot for picnics, weddings, fishing, block parties, and relaxing evenings watching the sunsets. After standing for 68 years it was destroyed by the “Storm of the Century” on March 13-14, 1993. Following many delays, reconstruction began on September 13, 1997. Work was completed and the dock opened April 8, 1998. — Map (db m3253) HM

The Seminole Bridge was the original link to Clearwater Beach. Completed in 1917, the wooden bridge opened up access to the beach and paved the way for its first development. The bridge terminated where the Palm Pavilion stands today. It became known as the “Rickety Bridge” because the unforgiving Florida sun warped the boards, popping out the nails at either end. Automobiles would “clippity-clop” along at a slow, noisy pace. A turnstile allowed boats to pass through. . . . — Map (db m3252) HM

Dedicated to the memory of Dr. Willis Stanley Blatchley, 1859-1940. Distinguished naturalist from Indiana, who from his home across the highway devoted twenty-seven winters, between 1913 and 1940, to the highly skillful exploration of the world of nature around Dunedin and elsewhere in southern Florida, writing some of his fascinating nature-study books and parts of his classic volumes on orders of insects. Erected by the Dunedin Historical Society 1976. — Map (db m4733) HM

At the peak of the 1920s “land boom,” Dunedin Isles Golf Club was built to attract new residents to the City of Dunedin. Scotsman Donald Ross, one of the world’s foremost golf course architects, visited the site and designed the golf course which opened on January 1, 1927. During the Great Depression, the Club fell on hard times and in 1938, the course was deeded to the City with the stipulation that it be used for “recreational purposes.” The City was able to renovate . . . — Map (db m67685) HM

This Park contains an original Stage coach road known as Old Road 37
This was once the main road than ran from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs and dates back to the early 1920’s
Please come explore the old road — Map (db m70728) HM

Dedicated to the recipients of this nation’s oldest military decoration, “The Purple Heart”
Military Order of the Purple Heart 1782 • 1932
My stone is red for the blood they shed. The medal I bear is my country’s way to show they care.
If I could be seen by all mankind maybe peace will come in my time.
Erected by the Military Order of the Purple Heart
My stone is red for the blood they shed. The medal I bear is my Country's way to show they care. If I could . . . — Map (db m13956) HM

(Front side)The American's Creed I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States, a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I, therefore, believe it is my duty . . . — Map (db m50509) HM

Built as the Hotel Rolyat in 1925, these Mediterranean Revival buildings originally were designed by Paul Reed of the Miami architectural firm of Kiehnel & Elliot for developer Jack Taylor. In 1929, after the collapse of the Florida land boom, the hotel was purchased by the Mendels brothers from New York. They operated the hotel until 1932, when they purchased the Florida Military Academy and relocated it to the site. Dr. John Forbes, the first President of Stetson University, recognized a need . . . — Map (db m68134) HM

This area surrounding Pinellas Park's original train station has been a hub of activity since P.J. McDevitt arrived in 1909 to grow sugar cane. In 1912 one of Pinellas Park's pioneers, Walter Bender, built his home in the area now known as Davis Field. By 1927, Pinellas Park was thriving and another pioneering family, headed by Charles "Mac" Wiggins, arrived. Between them, the Bender and Wiggins clans provided the town with farmers, firefighters, a police chief, war veterans, and a relative by . . . — Map (db m68136) HM

This tree is reportedly the oldest living Live Oak Tree in Pinellas County and is estimated to be between 300 to 500 years old. This grand oak tree is registered with The Live Oak Society of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc. — Map (db m3244) HM

Menendez, Spanish Governor of Florida, after building fort at St. Augustine (1565) came to this site in 1567 and persuaded the Indian Chief Tocobago and his 1500 braves who lived here, to accept Christianity. Menendez erected a blockhouse for a Mission used by Jesuit Priest, Father Rogel, and 30 soldiers. Later, during Rogel's absence, the Indians massacred all but three soldiers, and these were killed when Rogel's ship appeared in the bay. The Mission was abandoned in 1568. . . . — Map (db m46671) HM

On Pentecost Sunday, May 26, 1539, Hernando de Soto sailed into Tampa Bay and named it “Bahia Espiritu Santo” (Holy Spirit Bay). A decade later it is believed that the famed Dominican missionary, Father Luis de Cancer, was martyred nearby after spending 6 weeks in the area in an attempt to spread the Gospel among the native peoples. The stained glass window over the main doors pays tribute to Father de Cancer.
Twenty years later, St. Augustine founder, Pedro Mendez de Aviles came . . . — Map (db m44277) HM

On May 18, 1539, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto reached the shores of what is now Tampa Bay, landing near these mineral springs used by the native population for nearly 10,000 years. Believing he had found the legendary Fountain of Youth somehow missed by Ponce de Leon, de Soto established a camp here, naming the crystal waters Espiritu Santo Springs - "Springs of the Holy Spirit."
Each of the five springs located on this site was identified and said to cure certain ailments, a claim . . . — Map (db m44463) HM

As the first European settler in Pinellas County he established St. Helena Plantation, now Philippe Park Philippe was the first to cultivate grapefruit in Florida and introduced cigar-making to Tampa His descendants populated this frontier. He was said to be a doctor and of noble birth. — Map (db m13637) HM

On this promontory Count Odet Philippe, a native of Lyon, France, and surgeon in the French Armed Forces under Napoleon Bonaparte settled in 1842, arriving at this point in his sailing vessel "The Ney." In this area he established St. Helena, his plantation, and upon it he was the first to adapt the grapefruit to Florida culture. Here he raised a large family, many descendants of which now reside in Pinellas County. He pioneered in the development of this area and endowed this site with a . . . — Map (db m13639) HM

has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States — Map (db m13646) HM

Initially served by the Jesuits from Sacred Heart in Tampa, a small wood-frame chapel named “St. Mary” was built at the northwest corner of Sixth Street and Fifth Avenue South in 1908. By 1913, a new and larger brick church was constructed at Fourth Street and Third Avenue South. The present landmark church was built in 1929 on land from the estate of General John Williams. Inspired by the basilica of Santo Stefano Rotundo in Rome, architect Henry Taylor decided to build St. Mary’s . . . — Map (db m40486) HM

After purchasing ten acres of scrub pine and swamp in 1922, Bishop Barry of St. Augustine directed the pastor of St. Mary’s in downtown to begin construction of a school building on this not-so-promising site. Construction began in 1925 and Sunday mass was celebrated regularly in the school auditorium by 1926. In 1929, St. Paul’s became its own parish with the appointment of the first pastor, Fr. James Enright. A year later, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany arrived and opened the parochial . . . — Map (db m40484) HM

For 10,000 years, Indians hunted the prairies and fished the waters
of what later became Pass-A-Grille. The last group of Native
Americans to settle in the Pinellas County area were the Tocobagas
around 1000-1700 A.D. This are was first visited by Europeans
in 1528, when the Spanish explorer, Panfilio de Narvaez, anchored
off Pass-A-Grille Pass. Afterwards the island was used as a camp
ground for fishermen to obtain fresh water and to grill their catch.
According to legend, it is thought . . . — Map (db m59486) HM

In 1783, while updating Gulf Coast navigational charts, Jose Antonio de Evia (b. 1740), a Spanish naval officer, visited a Spanish fishing camp located on this site. He called it “Rancho de Juaquin.” Artifacts from the 18th and early 19th centuries, now in the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum in St. Pete Beach, indicate fishermen used this camp and its water well until the 1840s. In 1918, when digging the house foundation at 612 Pass-a-Grille Way, a complete Spanish olive jar was . . . — Map (db m49507) HM

Of the many distinguished military men who came from abroad to fight for the independence of the American colonies, Kosciuszko was among the very first. In August 1776, only months after the Declaration of Independence has been signed, the thirty-year old military engineer arrived in Philadelphia from Poland. He offered his services to the Continental Congress and served continuously until the British surrender seven years later. Since that time the memory of his dedication and contribution has . . . — Map (db m75249) HM

This city park is located on the site of the first railroad pier in St. Petersburg, built by Peter Demens in 1889. Peter Demens (pronounced de-MANS) was a Russian nobleman, Pyotr Dementyev, who left Russia in 1881, came to Florida, and changed his name to Demens. He became an entrepreneur, investing in a sawmill and a construction company in Longwood, Florida. Later he took control of the Orange Belt Railroad, which he extended from Sanford, Florida to the west coast of Florida in 1888, to a . . . — Map (db m4666) HM

At this intersection November 12, 1914 John Evans a black laborer from Dunnellon FL was lynched condemned by a secret council of fifteen of St. Petersburg's most influential citizens. He was then turned over to a mob of fifteen hundred white residents and - Murdered - — Map (db m64413) HM

In 1923 construction began on Soren Lund's "Million Dollar" Mediterranean Revival hotel. Prominent features were its clay-tiled roof, rough textured stucco, baroque-type arched entrance and sqraffito decorations. It encompassed the north half of the 100 block of Beach Drive. Noted regional architect Geoffrey Lloyd Preacher designed the Hotel. The Soreno, named for Lund's only son, was finished, and the majority of its rooms leased prior to the opening of the 1924 tourist season. Its completion . . . — Map (db m50565) HM

Oldest church in Pinellas County, it was organized April 20, 1887. It was constructed in the summer of 1887 by a handful of pioneers equipped with crude tools. Built of unturpentined pine, the church records indicate first building cost $673. Dr. John B. Abercrombie donated an acre of land for the church April 28, 1887. The original church building has since been enlarged and is still used for regular services. — Map (db m50444) HM

On January 1, 1914, the "aeroplane" was demonstrated as a viable means of commercial transportation with the inaugural flight of the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, the world's first regularly scheduled commercial airline. Piloted by Tony H. Jannus, the Benoist Type XIV airboat departed for Tampa from the St. Petersburg Central Yacht Basin, carrying freight and one passenger across Tampa Bay, and initiating service of two round-trips daily between St. Petersburg and Tampa. Supported by the . . . — Map (db m50378) HM

In 1526 Juan Ortiz, a member of the expedition sent from Cuba to find Panfilo De Narvaez, was captured by Timucan Indians. Chief Hirrihigua, their ruler, hated the white men because of the violence of Narvaez. Juan Ortiz was condemned to death but Princess Hirrihigua, eldest daughter of the Chief, pleaded with her father and saved his life. Princess Hirrihigua saved Ortiz from death three times, and when his life was again in danger, she helped him escape to the sub-Timucan tribe of Chief . . . — Map (db m50463) HM

(Front plaque)From this site The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line The World's First Scheduled Airline Began regular flights between St. Petersburg and Tampa, January 1, 1914. ⋆ This plaque and site dedicated December 4, 1953 by the City of St. Petersburg to all the Airlines of the World (Rear plaque)In commemoration of the World's First Commericial Airline Flight by Tony Jannus on January 1st 1914 from St. Petersburg to Tampa Erected January 1st . . . — Map (db m50437) HM

In commemoration of the World Record For 10 Miles 45 Minutes 37 Seconds Set At This Location By Ondoro Osoro of Kenya at the Inaugural Southtrust Running Festival October 18, 1997 St. Petersburg, Florida — Map (db m49432) HM

Within a decade after the famous Wright Brothers' 1903 flight, aviation history was being made in Florida. The first transcontinental flight landed at Jacksonville in 1912, a naval air training center opened at Pensacola in 1913, and the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, the world's first regularly scheduled commercial airline, began service in 1914. Tom Benoist, a pioneer airboat (seaplane) manufacturer from St Louis, started this cargo and passenger airline as well as a flying school on . . . — Map (db m50438) HM

Rose Cemetery, also known as Rose Hill Cemetery, established in the early 1900s as a segregated cemetery, is the oldest African-American cemetery in Pinellas County. Located on approximately five acres of land, the cemetery reflects the social history and cultural traditions associated with Christianity and early African-American customs. Many of the African-Americans buried here were of Bahamian descent, and some of their graves are marked by large conch shells. Although the earliest grave . . . — Map (db m53993) HM

Marker Front: The Gulf waters off the west coast of Florida north of Tampa Bay comprise one of the few areas of the world where the species of natural sponges suitable for commercial use are found. The natural sponge industry in Tarpon Springs dates from about 1890 when John K. Cheyney launched his first sponge-fishing boat. Sponges were retrieved by hooking until the technique of diving for sponges was introduced in 1905 by John Cocoris, a recent immigrant from Greece, where the . . . — Map (db m53982) HM

A large Indian burial mound was built near this spot about 1500 A.D. It was used for some years by the inhabitants of a nearby Safety Harbor culture village, Indians who were among the ancestors of the later Tocobago tribe. Excavation in 1961 by State agencies added to our knowledge of these people. — Map (db m13679) HM